Social Change

Intentionality

The deliberate and purposeful nature of social change.

Controversy

The existence of differing opinions and debates surrounding social change.

Importance

The significance and relevance of social change in society and culture.

Causes and mechanisms of change

The factors and processes that lead to societal transformation.

Major Physical events

Significant natural occurrences such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

Demographic factors

Influences on social change related to specific generations, like baby boomers and millennials.

Discoveries and innovations

Groundbreaking inventions and advancements that contribute to societal change, such as the wheel, internal combustion engine, nuclear power, and smartphones.

Structural functionalism

A perspective that views social change as maintaining societal equilibrium and order.

Conflict theory

A perspective that sees social change as inevitable and driven by conflicts over resources and social inequality.

Environmental movement

A collective effort to address the importance of natural resources and promote conservation.

Symbolic Interactionism

A perspective that focuses on the change in meanings and interpretations within society.

Collective Behavior

The formation of a group of individuals working towards a shared goal.

Contagion theory

The belief that group thinking spreads rapidly within a crowd, leading to collective behavior like riots.

Emergent norm theory

The idea that various factors can motivate individuals to participate in collective behavior, guided by emerging norms.

Crowd

A temporary gathering of individuals with a common focus.

Riot

Continuous disorderly behavior by a group that disturbs the peace and targets people or property.

Mass behavior

A gathering of individuals engaging in similar behaviors, not necessarily in the same location.

A social dilemma

a behavior that is rational and if many people do it, it leads to collective disaster.

• Tragedy of the Commons:

• when  many individuals over-exploit public resources and deplete or degrade those resources

Public goods dilemma

When individuals must contribute to a collective resource even though they might not benefit from it

Any social movement has or begins with

leadership, organization, and ideological commitment to either promote social change or resist social change 

 

Regressive

• Resist social changes and maintain the status quo

Progressive

• Promote forward-thinking social change

Mass society:

belongs to something bigger than themselves

Relative deprivation

oppressed groups seek rights/opportunities

Resources mobilization

practical constraints